MONEY raised from a charity concert earlier this summer was donated to a Cotswolds-based cancer charity recently.

Guests at the Cirencester Lions Midsummer Music were treated to a cabaret style concert opened by international opera star, Maria Jagusz and her students of all ages.

They were followed by an eclectic mix of other local acts, including The Corinium Players, Jamie Blackburn, Siren Sisters and Tooty Fluty.

From classical music to grunge rock, opera to guitar, there was something for everyone.

The event was sponsored by Pickwick’s Papers and raffle prizes were donated by various local businesses such as @The Boutique, Bespoke Holistic Therapy, D&J sports, the Marlborough Arms, Pebley Beach, Rave Coffee, Tesco Extra and Waterstones.

The event raised nearly £1,400 for the Hope for Tomorrow, a charity dedicated to bringing cancer treatment closer to patients’ homes via a mobile chemotherapy unit.

The service reduces the long distances of travel and waiting times for treatment that patients often endure.

Jess Turner, president of Cirencester Lions, said she was “delighted” with the support from the community as both performers and concertgoers.

Speaking about Hope for Tomorrow, Jess said: “[The charity] minimises the stresses and strains for cancer patients and their families by enabling NHS chemotherapy treatment to be brought to Cirencester each week.”

Clemency Rubinstein, community fundraiser for Hope for Tomorrow, said: “It was wonderful to see how the local community came together to make this a special and successful evening in memory of Lion Wendy West who passed away earlier this year.

“Thank you to Cirencester Lions for the inestimable time and energy spent organising the evening.

“We have raised over £150,000 of the £247,500 needed to provide the new Gloucestershire unit. This contribution is a great help.

“We hope to launch the new unit in February, 2017, the tenth birthday of the existing unit, the world’s first.”

For more information on Hope for Tomorrow, visit hopefortomorrow.org.uk